Jade Rozycki took over as Manager of the St. Vincent de Paul shop on Main Street, Carrigaline, in May and has created a culture of inclusion, community, and accountability on the shop floor writes Tara Maher…
Charity shops are a treasure trove of unique finds, they are an integral part of communities worldwide, from Carrigaline to New York to Sydney. Each one is unique and offers unmissable bargains on designer and vintage garments, antique accessories, and general nicknacks.
Jade's journey with SVP began when she moved to Ireland 15 years ago. She was a regular at the SVP store in Mayfield, drawn in by the camaraderie and kindness shared by the ladies working on the shop's floor.
Jade's morals aligned with those of the SVP. She loves upcycling and rejuvenating old clothes by swapping buttons, adding patches, or cutting up skirts and giving them a new lease of life. Similarly, the SVP took unwanted clothes and gave them to people who would cherish them and give them to people who would appreciate them in a whole new way, all while helping the greater community.
Professionally, she worked in managerial roles, and when an opening for a store manager occurred in the Bantry SVP shop, she was able to combine her two worlds. Jade spent two years there, before relocating to Carrigaline at the start of the summer.
When speaking to The Carrigdhoun, Jade spoke candidly about daily life in the shop, from donation bags to sorting and selling items.
"When we receive donations, everything is sorted and cleaned before reaching the floor for customers. Stock is updated daily, and we constantly have special offers. Any clothes we don't sell are sent to the warehouse, where they will be housed somewhere else or repurposed."
Charity shopping, or thrifting, as it is commonly known online, has become the sole source of new clothing as many have ditched fast fashion outlets because of their negative environmental impacts and extortionate pricing.
Fashion is the fourth largest polluter in the world. The charity retail chain is committed to reducing the volume of clothes entering landfills while selling discounted clothing and taking care of vulnerable people in the charity's care.
With no signs of the cost-of-living crisis coming to a halt anytime soon, people and families don't have disposable income to spend large amounts of money on brand-new clothes. SVP is a safe haven for shoppers selling high-quality, inexpensive, fashionable clothes—the majority of which still have tags.
"I like to think we're doing our bit for the environment while also benefiting the SVP charity and the community."
While I popped in for a quick pitstop before work, I noticed plenty of big-name labels, from MANGO to Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Louis Vitton. There were also plenty of local school uniforms on sale, perfect for back-to-school time.
Each shop is run by professionals and a number of volunteers. The Carrigaline location employs two staff and currently has fifteen volunteers. Each volunteer has their own reasons for joining, some are retired and are looking to keep busy, not used to all the free time. Others enjoy the social aspect of the role, chatting to customers and other volunteers. Others like to ease into work after an illness. Jade praised every team member; both employed and volunteer for their enthusiasm and desire to work. She also highlighted the benefits of volunteering, such as gaining new skills, making new friends, and contributing to a good cause.
"Everyone is trained to do everything, from the floor to sorting bags and the window. I want everyone to be included in all the decisions and to have a say".
If you are a regular on the Kilmoney side of the village, it's hard not to stop and admire the shop's themed windows, which exhibit chic garments and accessories. With Debs season in full swing, an elegant purple dress and smart suit stand tall in front of passersby.
The ever-embellishing window isn't built in a day. Jade and the team plan it a month or two in advance and spend weeks gathering on-theme outfits and all the trimmings, from jewellery to homeware and everything in between.
Some readers will recall the early August window that was on display: sports gear and equipment surrounded by Parisian motifs made for a fitting Olympic theme.
"We started planning it in June. We had French students in on work experience, so they were busy gathering bits and pieces".
"We look to the community and the internet for inspiration for the window. We like to keep it current and align it with what's happening in Carrigaline and beyond."
The Carrigaline store is open Monday’s to Saturdays.
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